Middle class revolt as Waitrose targets coffee freeloaders

Diane King

Waitrose has sparked outrage among its customers with the news that members of the posh supermarket’s loyalty card programme will no longer be entitled to a free tea or coffee.

Starting next month, the popular feature of the ‘myWaitrose’ scheme will require the customer to first make a purchase.

Previously, shoppers could swipe their loyalty card at the till and collect a tea or coffee at the self-service machine on their way out.

However, from April 3, all Waitrose customers will have to make a purchase first.

An email to customers read: “Our myWaitrose free tea and coffee offer is one of the ways we thank our customers for shopping with us - and we want all our customers to be able to enjoy a free hot drink when they shop with us in our branches.”

“From 3 April, we’ll simply be asking myWaitrose members to make a purchase before collecting their cup at the checkout.

However, the supermarket is bracing itself for a backlash from customers. As one Twitter user put it: “We will speak of this day for years to come. Social historians will trace the #Islington #Coffee #Riots to this act of betrayal!”

And already, rebellious forces are looking for ways to subvert the new rule. A loophole exists, in that no minimum purchase is required, so finding the cheapest item in the shop will be a way to get a ‘nearly free’ beverage, with one blogger managing to find a mushroom costing 1p to obtain his qualifying receipt. https://becleverwithyourcash.com/1p-trick-get-free-waitrose-tea-coffee/

MoneySaving Expert has also looked at the cheapest items which will entitle shoppers to carry on their coffee-based larceny.

The Waitrose statement added: “We would like to thank you in advance for your understanding.”